VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE FITNESS PLATFORM

Abstract

Systems and methods provide virtual interactive workouts via networked devices. The networked devices communicate with other networked devices to enables remote users to collaborate or compete in workout sessions. Networked devices receive input regarding users' performance of exercises. Methods and systems aggregate performance of exercises from different users. Aggregate performance metrics may be displayed in real time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/698,409 entitled “VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE FITNESS PLATFORM,” filed on Jul. 16, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present teachings relate to fitness systems and methods, and more particularly, to methods and systems that enable social interaction, collaboration, competition, and sharing via a communicative interface display on a networked device.

BACKGROUND

Humans are social creatures, and by leveraging the natural craving for human connection, group fitness has become one of the most effective methods for inspiring people to exercise regularly. Exercising as a group, including with just one other person, forms human bonds that help participants feel connected, embraced, encouraged, and respected for what they are able to accomplish. Through these positive experiences with exercise, group fitness participants develop a favorable attitude toward movement and fitness, a critical link in the adoption of, and adherence to, a regular routine of physical activity and, as a result, improvements in health and well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this way, harnessing the power of the group, whether big or as small as two people, to cultivate a true sense of community leads to more compelling workout experiences, and ultimately, to recruiting and retaining more fitness participants.

Classes may take advantage of humans' social nature with group fitness. One powerful way that group fitness classes encourage interaction is by programming workouts that require two or more participants to perform a workout collaboratively. For example, two partners might have to perform 50 total repetitions of a certain movement (e.g., push-ups), but the partners may break up the 50 total repetitions in any way they like, such that the first partner performs 25 repetitions and then the second partner performs the last 25 repetitions. Programming workouts in this way forces participants in class to interact with each other throughout the class, which reinforces the bonds that lead to a positive workout experience.

These group fitness classes, however, are often expensive, held at inconvenient times, and/or require a time-consuming and inconvenient trip to a physical location. Moreover, friends may have a strong desire to work out together but might be separated geographically (e.g., one friend lives on the East Coast of the U.S. while the other friend lives on the West Coast of the U.S.), such that they cannot exercise together in the same physical location.

Fitness devices have the ability to allow participants to perform live or on-demand workouts from anywhere, while simultaneously fostering meaningful connections and group interaction to encourage more motivational and effective workouts. However, existing fitness devices and corresponding software applications lack key features that allow and encourage participants to collaborate on workouts remotely, therefore denying them the ability to interact on a social level while remotely engaging in their fitness routines.

One method used by existing fitness devices attempting to enhance the remote exercise experience is to offer applications that stream classes to the user's home, which are led by one or more trainers and typically filmed in a studio, in some instances, with other studio participants. However, such applications do not allow groups of remote users to collaborate directly with each other in a way that truly fosters social interaction. Other existing fitness devices connect a remote user directly with a personal trainer via a digital communication network and, in some instances, the remote user may be able to communicate with the trainer directly via an interface that includes a display screen. However, these one-on-one personal training sessions do not capture the energy and benefits of exercising in a group setting where other participants are able to encourage and motivate the user.

Similarly, such devices neither provide for a group of remote users to communicate and work out together outside of an instructor-led, class setting nor do they allow a group of remote users to complete a designated workout collaboratively. None of these devices enable remote users to work out collaboratively and interactively in a way that embraces the camaraderie forged during group fitness classes when participants are performing the same workout together and simultaneously motivating and collaborating with each other. Therefore, while existing fitness devices may help alleviate boredom associated with exercising alone, they are focused primarily on the interaction between the remote user and a trainer in a remote location or on facilitating communication among participants in a trainer-led class setting, rather than on promoting interaction and collaboration among workout participants themselves. Moreover, competition among users through comparative metrics alone fails to cultivate the encouragement and motivation that results from participants exercising, collaborating, and communicating directly.

Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods that improve a user's experience in remote exercise with networked devices. In another aspect, there is a need for systems and methods that facilitates peer-to-peer interaction and workout collaboration to promote meaningful connections, thereby enhancing the remote user's workout experience and performance. The present disclosure provides systems and methods that enable remote users to work out and collaborate to complete a selected workout virtually, create and share workout experiences and achievements, and establish social networks and performance goals together through a digital communication network that incorporates text, video and/or audio communication capabilities for virtual fitness interaction.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a method that enables two or more users to collaborate to complete a selected workout as a group comprising providing information associated with a plurality of workouts from a communication network to a first networked device for a selection based on input received from the first networked device, wherein the first networked device is associated with a first user; receiving, by the first networked device, a selection of one of the plurality of workouts for display on an interface of the first networked device; generating an instruction to add one or more other users by the first networked device (or adding one or more users automatically), wherein the one or more other users are associated with at least one other networked devices; providing multimedia content comprising the selected workout to the first networked device and the at least one other networked device; selectively generating and receiving multimedia content associated with the first user or the one or more other users via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device; initiating the selected workout and operatively generating instructions for the first networked device and the at least one other networked device to display information associated with at least one action of the selected workout; detecting a plurality of performance parameters from the first networked device and the at least one other networked device associated with the at least one action; and displaying individual and group performance parameters via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device, wherein the individual and group performance parameters identify individual and group progress of the selected workout. In an aspect, the information about available workouts is displayed in a content management system integrated with the first networked device. The first networked device may selectively initiate invites or adds of the one or more other users. The multimedia content associated with the selected workout may be displayed by the first networked device and the at least one other networked device. The method may further comprise displaying performance parameters with respect to the selected workout via a display screen communicatively coupled to the first networked device. The at least one of the first networked device or the at least one other networked device may receive input identifying a plurality of performance parameters and incorporates the performance parameters into the selected workout. The performance parameters may include at least one of time elapsed, repetitions completed, rounds completed, or movements completed. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked device is connected to an exercise apparatus that tracks a plurality of performance parameters; communicates such performance parameters to the networked device, which incorporates such performance parameters into the selected workout. In an example, the first networked device or the at least one other networked device may be communicatively connected to or may include a camera that tracks a plurality of performance parameters via motion sensing and communicates such performance parameters to the first networked device or the at least one other networked device, and wherein the first networked device or the at least one other networked device incorporates such performance parameters into the selected workout.

Also described herein is a method that enables multiple remote users, each using separate networked devices, to collaborate or complete a selected workout as a group comprising: providing information associated with a plurality of workouts from a communication network to a first networked device for a selection based on input received from the first networked device, wherein the first networked device is associated with a first user; receiving, by the first networked device, a selection of one of the plurality of workouts for display on an interface of the first networked device; generating an instruction to add one or more other users by the first networked device to a team for collaborating or completing the selected workout (or adding one or more users automatically), wherein the one or more other users are associated with at least one other networked devices; providing multimedia content comprising the selected workout to the first networked device and the at least one other networked device; selectively generating and receiving multimedia content associated with the first user or the one or more other users via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device; initiating the selected workout and operatively generating instructions for the first networked device and the at least one other networked device to display information associated with at least one action of the selected workout; detecting a plurality of performance parameters from the first networked device and the at least one other networked device associated with the at least one action; and displaying individual and group performance parameters via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device, wherein the individual and group performance parameters identify individual and group progress of the selected workout. Generating the instruction to add the one or more other users further may comprise selecting the one or more other users from a list of contacts associated with the first user. Generating the instruction to add the one or more other users may further comprise selecting the one or more other users based on parameters associated with the one or more other users. The method may further comprise selecting a competing group of users for competing against the first user and the one or more other users. The method may further comprise receiving and monitoring completion of tasks associated with the selected workout program based on input received from sensors associated with networked devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear understanding of the present teachings may be had by reference to the appended drawings, although it will be understood that such drawings depict example embodiments and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of networked devices.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device di splaying a catalogue of available workouts.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device displaying a workout description.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device displaying an ongoing workout performed by multiple users as a team.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device displaying an ongoing workout performed by multiple teams of users competing to complete such workout collaboratively with their teammates.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device displaying a performance summary for a remote user following a multi-team workout.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface screen on a networked device displaying a performance summary for a remote user following a collaborative workout.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a network architecture.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary method for facilitating collaborative workout programs via network architecture.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a functional computing environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the embodiments may be combined, switched, or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings, e.g., features of each disclosed embodiment may be combined, switched, or replaced with features of the other disclosed embodiments. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration and does not limit the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

As used herein, terms such as “access point,” “server,” and the like, are utilized interchangeably, and refer to a network component or appliance that serves and receives control data, data-streams or signaling-stream. Data and signaling streams may be packetized or frame-based flows. Furthermore, the terms “user,” “operator,” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among the terms. It is noted that such terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference).

A network typically includes a plurality of elements that host logic. In packet-based wide-area networks (WAN), servers (e.g., devices comprising logic) may be placed at different points on the network. Servers may communicate with other devices and/or databases. In another aspect, a server may provide access to a user account. Embodiments may utilize substantially any wired or wireless network. For instance, embodiments may utilize various radio access networks (RAN), (e.g., Wi-Fi, global system for mobile communications, universal mobile telecommunications systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access, enhanced general packet radio service, third generation partnership project long-term evolution (3G LTE), x^th generation long-term evolution (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G LTE), third generation partnership project 2, BLUETOOTH®, ultra mobile broadband, high speed packet access, xth generation long-term evolution, or another IEEE 802.XX technology). Furthermore, embodiments may utilize wired communications.

“Logic” refers to any information and/or data that may be applied to direct the operation of a processor. Logic may be formed from instruction signals stored in a memory (e.g., a non-transitory memory). Software is one example of logic. In another aspect, logic may include hardware, alone or in combination with software. For instance, logic may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, such as hardware circuits comprising logical gates (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations). Furthermore, logic may be programmed and/or include aspects of various devices and is not limited to a single device.

As used herein, the term “network device” may include various devices that may selectively communicate within a communication framework or network. Such network device may include wearable electronics (e.g., smart watches, etc.), laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, gaming devices (e.g., handheld gaming devices, set top boxes, etc.), smart phones, smart televisions, virtual reality equipment (e.g., VR headsets.), exercise equipment (e.g., rowing machines, treadmills, exercise mats, skiing machine, stepping machine, exercise/stationary/recumbent bike, orbital stepping machine, elliptical machine, stair climber, a weight lifting machine, a combination of the any of the foregoing, etc.), motion sensors, multimedia capturing devices (e.g., video recorders, audio recorders, etc.) or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention enables remote users to perform collaborative workouts with one or more other remote users. The various embodiments may provide information about available workouts that are accessible via a digital communication network by a first remote user. The first remote user may use a first networked device at a first remote location for display at the first remote location via an interface that includes a display screen, whereby the first remote user can select among a catalogue of workouts to be displayed on the display screen. The user may be able to filter available workouts based on a variety of parameters, review information provided for the available workouts, and select among a plurality of available workouts to be displayed on the display screen. The system may receive from the first remote user a selection of one of the available workouts for display on the display screen at the first remote location. The system may provide the first remote user the ability to invite or add one or more other remote users (e.g., either through user-provided selection, automatic matching of users, or other methods) using separate networked devices at separate remote locations and on separate display screens to perform the selected workout with the first remote user. In addition or in the alternative, the system may also match the first remote user with other remote users using separate networked devices at separate remote locations and on separate display screens to perform the selected workout with the first remote user. In some examples, the system may provide digital text, video and/or audio content comprising the selected workout to each networked device at each remote location for display to each remote user on the display screen. The system may provide each remote user the ability to send text, receive text, hear, speak to, and see each other remote user participating in the selected workout, in each case, substantially in real time. The system may provide each remote user the ability to coordinate movements and repetitions with each other remote user on his or her respective networked device within the selected workout. The system may detect a plurality of performance parameters from each networked device at each remote location at any particular point in the selected workout and display individual and/or group performance parameters on the display screen such that each remote user is presented with individual and group progress of the workout at the same point in the selected workout. Still further, the system may display at least one of the plurality of current performance parameters detected from each networked device at each remote location on the display screen.

In various exemplary embodiments, a method for enabling group collaboration and interaction on a networked device includes receiving, at a user interface that includes a display screen, a catalogue of workouts stored on a remote computer from which a remote user may select a workout based on various parameters including, but not limited to, time (i.e., length of workout), difficulty, body focus, workout format, required equipment (if any), etc.; information about a selected workout; and text, video and/or audio directions for how to complete such workout and/or any movements included in such workout.

In various exemplary embodiments, during a selected workout, each remote user may track, on his or her respective networked device, one or more performance parameters, including performance parameters automatically calculated by the networked device or a fitness machine connected to such networked device, as applicable, and/or manually inputted by the remote user through the user interface or using voice commands, and display for such remote user and share with other remote users participating in such workout such performance parameters, such that each remote user may compare, aggregate or both compare and aggregate such remote user's performance parameters to other remote users participating in such workout, in each case, substantially in real time.

In various exemplary embodiments, a first remote user may complete a selected workout with one or more other remote users, each using a different networked device, such that the group of users collaborates to complete the workout as a group. For example, two remote users may choose a workout comprising a specified number of repetitions of a variety of movements for such users to complete as a group. In such an example, the first remote user may complete half of the specified movements and the second user would complete the second half of the specified movements. The users may also partition the specified workout amongst themselves as they choose to or, in some instances, as instructed by the fitness application that is displayed on the networked device, until their aggregated performance parameters (i.e., the total number of repetitions completed) is equal to the number of performance parameters specified in the selected workout. It is noted that other or different scoring algorithms may be utilized. For example, there may be a workout where, rather than having a certain number of movements/repetitions to complete, two or more users would be given a list of movements and their goal is to complete those as many times as possible in a set period of time. In an aspect, scoring of workout competition may utilize repetitions as a variable with a restricted time (e.g., do as many sit-ups as you can in a minute) or restrict repetitions while treating time as a variable (e.g., do fifty sit-ups as fast as you can). In such a case, if two or more teams were competing, then whichever team completed the most repetitions in the set time frame would win. Various other examples may utilize combinations of the above as well as other or different scoring metrics as described in more detail herein. For instance, scoring may be based on quality of an action (e.g., how far down a user squats or does a push-up), user's form, balance, breathing, or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, a first team of two or more remote users may compete against one or more other teams of two or more remote users to complete a selected workout, with each remote user using a different networked device that can communicate via text, video and/or audio with each other networked device through a digital communication network. For example, two remote users may form team A and two other remote users may form team B in order to compete in a selected workout that requires each team to complete, in the aggregate (i.e., among the team) a specified number of repetitions of a variety of movements. In such example, each team's performance parameters will be aggregated and the team to first complete the total number of repetitions (in the aggregate) specified in the selected workout would be declared the winner. The remote users on each team may partition the required movements and repetitions amongst themselves as they choose to or, in some instances, as instructed by the fitness application that is displayed on the networked device, until their aggregated performance parameters (i.e., the total number of repetitions completed) is equal to the number of performance parameters specified in the selected workout.

In various exemplary embodiments, a first remote user may invite one or more other remote users to join the first remote user in a selected workout, including the option to select whether such other remote users will complete the selected workout collectively as a group (i.e., all participants working together) or compete in teams, and each networked device used by each respective remote user may send and receive text, video and/or audio streams through a digital communication network such that each remote user can communicate with each other, including texting, seeing and/or hearing each other, substantially in real time, and synchronize the various networked devices such that each remote user can complete the selected workout collaboratively as a group. Further, the system may automatically select and assign remote users to join one another in a selected workout. Further still, the system may automatically select the workout for the remoter users.

Referring to FIG. 1, there depicted is system 100 comprising various networked devices operatively communicating via a communication framework 102. The networked devices may comprise one or more of a computer 110, a tablet computer 112, a smart phone 114 (or any kind of computing device), a virtual reality device 116, a wearable device 118 (e.g., fitness tracker, smart watch, etc.), or an exercise apparatus 120 (e.g., such as a rowing machine, treadmill, stair climber, etc.). It is noted that embodiments may include or utilize different or other networked devices, any one or combination of networked devices, multiple of the same networked device (e.g., two or more rowing machines), or the like. Further, while exercise apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 1 is a rowing machine, the present teachings may apply to any kind of exercise apparatus known or developed in the future, including, without limitation a treadmill, stationary bike, a recumbent bike, elliptical machine, stair climber, a weight lifting machine, a combination of the any of the foregoing, and any other exercise machine.

Generally, the networked devices include a processor 122 communicatively coupled to a memory 124. The processor 122 may facilitate execution of instructions stored in the memory 124 to perform various disclosed functions. In another aspect, the memory 124 may store information associated with a user, the networked device, or the like.

The networked devices may include an interface 126 that operatively receives input (e.g., from a user, from other networked device, etc.) and may generate output such as visual, graphic, audio, or tactile (e.g., vibrations). As such, the interface 126 may include audible devices (e.g., speakers), visual devices (e.g., LED's, monitors, etc.), tactile devices (e.g., vibration devices), or the like.

In another aspect, the network devices 128 may include communication components 128 that operatively communicate via the communication framework 102. In an aspect, the communication components 128 may include any number of wireless or wired transmitters or receivers (e.g., Wi-Fi communication devices, cellular communication devices, wired communication devices, NFC communication devices, etc.). It is noted that, while exercise apparatus 120 is shown as comprising these various components, other networked devices may comprise the same or similar components.

Systems and methods described herein may utilize networked devices, for example, to provide group exercise classes or sessions. Such classes or sessions may include collaborative competitions or classes wherein one or more groups of users work to achieve a common goal. It is noted that parameters for the classes may be defined or adjust based on users' preferences as will be described in more detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, with reference to FIG. 1, there is an exemplary rendering 200 from a user interface (e.g., user interface 126) of a networked device. The rendering 200 may display information to allow a user to search for, review information about, or select a workout from a database stored on a remote computer or otherwise stored in local memory (e.g., memory 124). In various examples, a user may provide input or feedback to select parameters for display or searching.

For instance, an interface may display information via the rendering 200 and may include one or more filters to review and/or select from one or more workouts 202, including, as applicable, time duration 204 (e.g., whether set, estimated or averaged), scoring format 205, experience level 206, body focus 208 (for example, specifying whether a given workout targets primarily the user's upper body, lower body, core, or entire body), exercise apparatus type 210 (e.g., rowing machine, treadmill, no apparatus—plyometric, or the like), weight or resistance level (e.g., pounds, kilograms, number of rubber bands, resistance level on an exercise apparatus, incline, etc.) and any other or different parameters. It is noted that workouts may be set by an instructor, administrator, user generated, or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, a remote user may select a workout and invite or have automatically invited through the system one or more other remote users to participate in such workout. For example, the user may utilize a networked device to search for other users from known contacts. Connection requests may be sent through an application running on the networked device, text messaging, email, social network platforms, or the like.

In some embodiments, a user may select to be matched with random users (e.g., other users with which the user does not have a social connection). The system 100 may identify users based on profiles with which to match the user. For instance, the system 100 may match the user with users having similar parameters (e.g., age, weight, gender, physical fitness level, desired workouts, desired intensities, etc.).

In an aspect, the system 100, such as via networked devices or remote servers, may utilize artificial intelligence, statistical models, or other processes and/or algorithms. In embodiments, the system 100 may utilize classifiers that map an attribute vector to a confidence that the attribute vector belongs to a class. For instance, a networked device may input attribute vector, x=(x₁, x₂, x₃, x₄, x₁) mapped to f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis affinities and ingredient attributes) to infer best matches or the like. In various embodiments, system 100 may utilize other directed and undirected model classification approaches, such as, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of independence. Classification may also include statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

In accordance with various aspects of the subject specification, an example embodiment may employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing user behavior, user preferences, historical information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, support vector machines may be configured via learning or training phases within a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) may be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited to determining exercise routines, user identities, target goals or fitness needs, and the like. This learning may be on an individual basis, i.e., based solely on a single user, or may apply across a set of or the entirety of the user base. Information from the users may be aggregated and the classifier(s) may be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions based on this aggregated information. The information may be dynamically distributed, such as through an automatic update, a notification, or any other method or means, to the entire user base, a subset thereof or to an individual user. For instance, matching techniques may determine matches to maximize competition based on users' workout histories, preferences, or other factors. In an example, algorithms may account for lapses in time between workouts, past progress, information received from sensors (e.g., wearable devices), or other parameters to appropriately match teams or users so that competitors may be at the same or similar capabilities.

It is further noted that users may select to store or save teams for future competitions. For example, a user may be assigned to a team of previously unknown or unconnected teammates. If the user and new teammates wish to save the team for future competitions, they may provide input via networked devices identifying their desire. The networked devices may store the preferences for future uses. It is further noted that users or teams may likewise provide input to save competitors for rematches, leagues, or the like. In some embodiments, networked devices may provide users with options to block, mute, or otherwise limit access of certain users or teams.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is an exemplary rendering 300 of a workout program 302. A networked device may generate rendering 300 in response to a user selecting the workout program 302 from memory (e.g., local or remote database) through the user interface (e.g., user interface 126). The networked device may generate and display the rendering 300 prior to beginning such workout.

In various exemplary embodiments, the rendering may include (i) the display may show a description of such workout, including various filtering parameters 304, and the movements and repetitions to be completed in such workout along with instructions on how to complete the workout 306 and/or each movement involved, which such instructions may include multimedia instructions 308 (e.g., text, audio and/or one or more instructional videos (which the user may view or skip)), (ii) the remote user may invite one or more other remote users to collaborate with such user in such workout via a selectable tools 310, and (iii) the remote user may choose to complete such workout collaboratively with one or more other remote users or form teams of remote users to compete against one another via tool 312, with each team collaborating amongst its users to complete such workout.

In various exemplary embodiments, if a user chooses to complete a workout with more than one other remote user, such workout may be automatically modified through the user interface of the networked device to accommodate additional users (for example, if a user chooses to complete a workout in collaboration with multiple other users (as a team). In another aspect, the rendering 300 may alter or modify (e.g., automatically increase or decrease) the requirements to complete such workout (e.g., the number of repetitions, time duration, etc.) proportionally with the number of users participating in such workout in order to maintain the work capacity required by each user participating in such workout.

As described herein, the user may choose to compete with a predetermined team, with randomly assigned users, or the like. Moreover, the networked device may generate invitations in response to the user's selection to compete or train with other users.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is an exemplary rendering 400 generated by a user interface of a networked device while two or more remote users collaborate (e.g., team up) to complete a workout. The rendering may include a first user 402 and a second user 420.

The rendering 400 may display movements or tasks required to be completed by the team of users in order to complete such workout, including highlighting for one or more users the particular movement or task to be completed 404 at any given time in such workout description and/or a progress bar 406 displaying the team's progress at any given time of the workout.

Each movement or task may be completed by one or more users, as specified in the particular workout. For example, in various embodiments, the team of users may be instructed to complete one or more movements or tasks in one of several ways, including one user performing a specific movement or task while the other users rest, two or more users performing one or more specific movements or tasks while the other users rest, or all of the participating users performing one or more specific movements or tasks simultaneously.

Each user's performance parameters may be transmitted via the networked devices through the network such that their performance parameters may be aggregated or compared during or after the selected workout and in various embodiments. In examples, the rendering 400 may display one or more such performance parameters substantially in real time (e.g., as users complete tasks). In at least one embodiment, after completing each specified movement or task, the users will move onto the next movement or task. This may continue until completing the chosen workout and the users may be scored based on the amount of time it took them to complete such workout. In other embodiments, the users may be scored based on a variety of performance parameters including, for example, the number of repetitions of one or more movements completed in a specified period of time.

In various embodiments, the networked devices may automatically update parameters as users complete tasks. For instance, exercise apparatus 120 may include sensors to monitor parameters (e.g., rows, speed, steps, etc.) and may update parameters as users complete tasks. For example, a networked device may automatically detect completion of a movement or task (for example, if the networked device is connected to a fitness apparatus that tracks performance parameters) and/or through any other method. For instance, the networked device may automatically track each user's movements through a camera, using motion sensing technology, pattern sensing algorithms, or other devices or algorithms. In another example, a wearable device 118 may include sensors (e.g., accelerometers, etc.) that may track or monitor motions and tasks. The wearable device 118 may, likewise, update parameters as a user completes tasks.

In other examples, one or more users may need to manually prompt the networked device upon completing a movement or task in order to continue onto the next movement or task, by using the touchscreen and/or any other method that may be developed (for example, using voice command). For instance, some tasks may not be measurable by networked devices or a user may not utilize specific networked device (e.g., wearable device 118, video capturing devices).

Throughout such workout, each user's displayed information may also include a plurality of performance parameters for such user substantially in real time. In a variety of embodiments, each user's display may include a video 408 and audio feed of such user and/or each other user performing the selected workout, allowing such users to communicate audibly and visually in real time before, during, or after completing such workout. It is noted that users may selectively enable or disable audio or video devices.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is an exemplary rendering 500 displayed by a user interface networked device in response to two or more teams of remote users competing in a workout. The rendering 500 may include, for example, information related to different users, such as a first user 510, a second user 520, a third user 530, or a fourth user 540. It is noted that other numbers of users may be displayed. The rendering 500 may show the movements or tasks required to be completed by each team of users (and, if specified in such workout, the number of repetitions to be performed by each user of each team) in order to complete such workout, including highlighting for each user and team the particular movement or task to be completed by such user or team at any given time in such workout description, the current and/or next movement or task to be completed by the other users or team against which the first team is competing, and/or a progress bar displaying each team's progress at any given time of the workout, in each case, substantially in real time.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first user 510 may invite two or more other users and form teams of two or more users and compete against other teams of users. As shown, the third user 530 and fourth user 540 may comprise an opposing team with which the first user 510 and second user 520 compete. It is noted that teams may comprise different numbers of users. Moreover, competing teams may comprise the same or different numbers of users (e.g., teams of two may compete against teams of 3). In some embodiments, the system 100 (e.g., through a server, one or more networked devices, etc.) may dynamically adjust goals or scoring based on the number of users on each team or metrics associated with users (e.g., teams with less users may have lower goals, teams with more advanced users may have higher goals), may select teams based on metrics associated with users (e.g., more advanced users may be placed on teams with lower numbers of users, etc.).

As described above, an invitation may be generated to specific users or may users may be selected by the system 100, such as through an algorithm matching selected parameters. It is noted that an algorithm may selected preferred matches based on user preference (e.g., if the user prefers an age rage, workout intensity, etc.) or based on automatic weightings to determine a best match.

Each movement or task will be completed by the team, as specified in the particular workout. For example, in various embodiments, each user (e.g., 510, 520, 530, 540, etc.) or team may be instructed to complete one or more movements or tasks in one of several ways, including a first user 510 performing a specific movement or task while the other users (e.g., 520) in such first user's team rest, two or more users performing one or more specific movements or tasks while the other users on their team rest, or all of the users on such team performing one or more movements or tasks simultaneously. Networked devices (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) may transmit users' performance parameters through a network such that their performance parameters may be aggregated or compared during or after the selected workout. In various embodiments, the rendering 500 may show one or more such performance parameters substantially in real time.

In at least one embodiment, after completing each specified movement or task, the team will move onto the next movement or task until completing the selected workout and in such an embodiment, the team to complete all of the specified movements or tasks first will be declared the winner and each team's score will be the amount of time it took such team to complete such workout. In other embodiments, teams may be scored based on a variety of performance parameters including, for example, the most repetitions of one or more movements completed in a specified period of time and, in such an embodiment, the winner will be the team that completed the most repetitions of such movements in the time prescribed in the particular workout. It is noted that various other scoring metrics may be utilized. For example, an exercise apparatus (e.g., exercise apparatus 120) may measure the completeness or quality of a user's motions and may weigh such into a score. It is noted that system 100 may utilize machine learning techniques to modify or adjust scoring techniques.

In various embodiments, the networked devices may automatically update parameters as users complete tasks. For instance, exercise apparatus 120 may include sensors to monitor parameters (e.g., rows, speed, steps, etc.) and may update parameters as users complete tasks. For example, networked device will automatically detect completion of a movement or task (for example, if the networked device is connected to a fitness apparatus that tracks performance parameters) and/or through any other method. For instance, the networked device may automatically track each user's movements through a camera, using motion sensing technology, pattern sensing algorithms, or other devices or algorithms. In another example, a wearable device 118 may include sensors (e.g., accelerometers, etc.) that may track or monitor motions and tasks. The wearable device 118 may, likewise, update parameters as a user completes tasks.

In examples, one or more users may need to manually prompt the networked device upon completing a movement or task in order to continue onto the next movement or task, by using the touchscreen and/or any other method that may be developed (for example, using voice command). For instance, some tasks may not be measurable by networked devices or a user may not utilize specific networked device (e.g., wearable device 118, video capturing devices).

Throughout such workout, each user's displayed information may also include a plurality of performance parameters for such user substantially in real time. In a variety of embodiments, each user's display may include a video and audio feed of such user and/or each other user performing the selected workout, allowing such users to communicate audibly and visually substantially in real time before, during, and after completing such workout.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is a rendering 600 showing results from a team competition. It is noted that each user may be associated with one or more networked devices. Networked devices associated with various users may personalize the rendering 600 to show the user's results and other users' results. FIG. 6B illustrates a rendering 650 comprising a collaborative workout program with one or more users. It is noted that parameters and information may be similar to team competitions with some differences, including winners and team comparisons.

In an example, when a remote user has completed a workout, a network device may display the rendering 600 or other renderings to provide the user with a summary of such user's individual and teams of users' performance parameters, such as, for example, number of repetitions completed of each movement in such workout, estimated calories burned, performance relative to other users or teams who have completed such workout, and any other performance indicators to be added. Further, the network device may display a rendering when two or more users collaborate on a workout regardless if such users are competing against another team or teams. At the conclusion of such workout, the rendering 600 or other renderings will provide such user or users with a summary of such performance parameters, such as, for example, number of repetitions completed of each movement in such workout, estimated calories burned, performance relative to other users or teams who have completed such workout, and any other performance indicators to be added. In various embodiments, when users complete a workout in two or more teams, the workout summary page may include a ranking of the teams having completed such workout (for example, team A won the workout and came in first place, followed by team B, C, etc.).

Turning to FIG. 7, there is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network architecture 700 for a collaborative or competitive exercise system as described herein. In examples, sensors 702 may sense information to monitor exercise activity. The sensors 702 may be associated with user profiles on a networked device 704. The networked device 704 may communicate over one or more communication networks 706 which may include or communicate with a content distribution network 708.

In embodiments the network architecture 700 may include one or more servers or data stores. For instance, data stores may include one or more physical data storage devices or a single data storage device with one or more levels or partitions. As an example, network architecture 700 may include live sensor data storage 710 and historical sensor data storage 712. The live sensor data storage 710 may operatively receive live sensor data and may distribute such information or monitor progress to determine winners of competitions. The live sensor data store 710 contains sensor data from the user hardware to be analyzed and/or aggregated to be sent back to the networked devices 704. Historical sensor data storage 712 may operatively store historical or past sensor data associated with users to monitor a user's progress and provide aggregate information to users. The historical data store 712 may contain sensor data from previous sessions to be provided to the networked devices 704 and displayed on the user interface for comparisons and historical views.

The content distribution network 708 may provide multimedia content (e.g., video, audio and/or text-based) to the networked device for display on the user interface or interfaces, including but not limited to, workouts, descriptions, and demonstrations. The content management system 714 may manipulate the data within the content distribution network 708. The communication network enables remote users to communicate with each other in substantially real-time via audio and video as well collaborate, and/or compete in a group workout substantially in real time, including sharing and/or aggregating performance parameters.

In view of the subject matter described herein, methods that may be related to various embodiments may be better appreciated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. While the method 800 is shown and described as a series of blocks, it is noted that associated methods or processes are not limited by the order of the blocks. It is further noted that some blocks and corresponding actions may occur in different orders or concurrently with other blocks. Moreover, different blocks or actions may be utilized to implement the methods described hereinafter. Various actions may be completed by one or more users, mechanical machines, automated assembly machines (e.g., including one or more processors or computing devices), or the like.

At 802, a system may identify exercise programs for completion. It is noted that the system may identify exercise programs based on user input, a scheduled event, or the like. For instance, a user may select a program from a remote database (e.g., via a networked device). In other examples, a user may create an exercise program for completion.

In another aspect, the system may identify an exercise program based on a predetermined schedule. The schedule may be based on a time schedule. In at least one embodiment, a system may schedule specific exercise programs for large events or scheduled classes for users that may need more structure. As an example, events may include post-holiday workouts that allow teams to compete on large scales with many other teams. According to other embodiments, work out programs may be scheduled based on a league or tournament schedule.

At 804, a system may invite users to participate in an exercise program. As described herein, invitations may be sent from within a specified application running on a networked device, via a social network, via a text message, via email, or other networks.

It is noted that users may be selected for invitation based on user input (e.g., selection of specific users) or through matching algorithms, as described in more detail herein. For instance, systems may utilize machine learning techniques to match users.

At 806, the system may identify networked devices and sensors available or associated with a user. For example, the system may determine whether a user has a specific exercise apparatus, wearable device, or the like. If a user lacks a required networked device for an identified exercise program, the user may be presented with an error message or instructions on how to connect the exercise apparatus.

At 808, the system may monitor for completion of tasks and update the system based on the monitoring. For instance, the system may update sensor data and progress bars. Moreover, the system may monitor the sensor data to determine when a task is complete, near complete, or the like.

In at least one embodiment, if a user or team is near completion of the task, the system may alert users or teams. As an example, the system may alert competitors that another team is about to complete a task. In another aspect, the system may alert the team about to complete a task and may provide them with the next task. It is noted that the system may, for example, alter visual or audible output based on monitored sensor data. For instance, the system may change music intensity based on the status of a team's tasks.

In an aspect, method 800 enables two or more remote users to collaborate to complete a selected workout as a group comprising: providing information about available workouts that can be accessed via a digital communication network by a first remote user using a first networked device at a first remote location for display at the first remote location via an interface that includes a display screen, whereby the first remote user can select among a catalogue of workouts to be displayed on the display screen, filter available workouts based on a variety of parameters, review information provided for the available workouts, and select among a plurality of available workouts to be displayed on the display screen; receiving from the first remote user a selection of one of the available workouts for display on the display screen at the first remote location; providing the first remote user the ability to invite, have automatically invited, or add one or more other remote users using separate networked devices at separate remote locations and on separate display screens to perform the selected workout with the first remote user; providing digital text, video and/or audio content comprising the selected workout to each networked device at each remote location for display to each remote user on the display screen; providing each remote user the ability to send text, receive text, hear, speak to, and see each other remote user participating in the selected workout, in each case, substantially in real time; providing each remote user the ability to coordinate movements and repetitions with each other remote user on his or her respective networked device within the selected workout; detecting a plurality of performance parameters from each networked device at each remote location at any particular point in the selected workout; displaying individual and group performance parameters on the display screen such that each remote user is presented with individual and group progress of the workout at the same point in the selected workout; and displaying at least one of the plurality of current performance parameters detected from each networked device at each remote location on the display screen.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a computing environment 900 in accordance with various disclosed aspects. It is noted that computing environment 900 may include various other components or aspects. As depicted, computing environment 900 may include one or more client(s) 902, one or more server(s) 904, one or more client data store(s) 920, one or more server data store(s) 910, and a communication framework 906.

While depicted as a desktop computer(s), client(s) 902 may include various other devices that may comprise hardware and/or software (e.g., program threads, processes, computer processors, non-transitory memory devices, etc.). In an example, client(s) 902 may include laptop computers, smart phones, tablet computers, wearables, etc.). The client(s) 902 may include or employ various aspects disclosed herein. For example, client(s) 902 may include or employ all or part of various systems and processes disclosed herein.

Likewise, server(s) 904 may include various devices that may comprise hardware and/or software (e.g., program threads, processes, computer processors, non-transitory memory devices, etc.). Server(s) 904 may include or employ various aspects disclosed herein. For example, server(s) 904 may include or employ all or part of various systems and processes disclosed herein. It is noted that server(s) 904 and client(s) 902 may communicate via communication framework 906. In an exemplary communication, client(s) 902 and server(s) 904 may utilize packeted data (e.g., data packets) adapted to be transmitted between two or more computers. For instance, data packets may include coded information associated with exercise routines or the likes.

Communication framework 906 may comprise various network devices (e.g., access points, routers, base stations, etc.) that may facilitate communication between client(s) 902 and server(s) 904. It is noted that various forms of communications may be utilized, such as wired (e.g., optical fiber, twisted copper wire, etc.) and/or wireless (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, near field communication, etc.) communications.

In various embodiments, client(s) 902 and server(s) 904 may respectively include or communicate with one or more client data store(s) 920 or one or more server data store(s) 910. The data stores may store data local to client(s) 902 or server(s) 904.

In at least one embodiment, a client of client(s) 902 may transfer data describing an exercise, user account data, ratings, or the likes to a server of server(s) 904. The server may store the data and/or employ processes to alter the data. For example, the server may transmit the data to other clients of client(s) 902.

What has been described above includes examples of the present specification. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present specification are possible. Each of the components described above may be combined or added together in any permutation to define the described systems. Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A method that enables two or more users to collaborate to complete a selected workout as a group comprising:

providing information associated with a plurality of workouts from a communication network to a first networked device for a selection based on input received from the first networked device, wherein the first networked device is associated with a first user;

receiving, by the first networked device, a selection of one of the plurality of workouts for display on an interface of the first networked device;

generating an instruction to add one or more other users based on at least one of input from the first networked device or automated selection, wherein the one or more other users are associated with at least one other networked devices;

providing multimedia content comprising the selected workout to the first networked device and the at least one other networked device;

selectively generating and receiving multimedia content associated with the first user or the one or more other users via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device;

initiating the selected workout and operatively generating instructions for the first networked device and the at least one other networked device to display information associated with at least one action of the selected workout;

detecting a plurality of performance parameters from the first networked device and the at least one other networked device associated with the at least one action; and

displaying substantially in real time individual and group performance parameters via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device, wherein the individual and group performance parameters identify individual and group progress of the selected workout.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about available workouts is displayed in a content management system integrated with the first networked device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first networked device selectively initiates invites or adds of the one or more other users.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the multimedia content associated with the selected workout is displayed by the first networked device and the at least one other networked device.

5. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying performance parameters with respect to the selected workout via a display screen communicatively coupled to the first networked device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first networked device or the at least one other networked device receives input identifying a plurality of performance parameters and incorporates the performance parameters into the selected workout.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the performance parameters include at least one of time elapsed, repetitions completed, rounds completed, or movements completed.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the performance parameters include at least one of time elapsed, repetitions completed, rounds completed, or movements completed.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked device is connected to an exercise apparatus that tracks a plurality of performance parameters; communicates such performance parameters to the networked device, which incorporates such performance parameters into the selected workout.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first networked device or the at least one other networked device is communicatively connected to or includes a sensor that tracks a plurality of performance parameters via motion sensing and communicates such performance parameters to the first networked device or the at least one other networked device, and wherein the first networked device or the at least one other networked device incorporates such performance parameters into the selected workout.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an image sensor or an accelerometer.

12. The method of claim 10, further wherein the first networked device or the at least one other networked device generates a rendering of the performance parameters into in a workout summary after competition of the selected workout.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first networked device or the at least one other networked device is communicatively connected to or includes an audio sensor that operatively captures audio during, before or after the selected workout.

14. A method that enables multiple remote users, each using separate networked devices, to collaborate or complete a selected workout as a group comprising:

providing information associated with a plurality of workouts from a communication network to a first networked device for a selection based on input received from the first networked device, wherein the first networked device is associated with a first user;

receiving, by the first networked device, a selection of one of the plurality of workouts for display on an interface of the first networked device;

generating an instruction to add one or more other users by the first networked device to a team for collaborating or completing the selected workout, wherein the one or more other users are associated with at least one other networked devices;

providing multimedia content comprising the selected workout to the first networked device and the at least one other networked device;

selectively generating and receiving multimedia content associated with the first user or the one or more other users via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device;

initiating the selected workout and operatively generating instructions for the first networked device and the at least one other networked device to display information associated with at least one action of the selected workout;

detecting a plurality of performance parameters from the first networked device and the at least one other networked device associated with the at least one action; and

displaying individual and group performance parameters via the first networked device and the at least one other networked device, wherein the individual and group performance parameters identify individual and group progress of the selected workout.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating the instruction to add the one or more other users further comprises selecting the one or more other users from a list of contacts associated with the first user.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating the instruction to add the one or more other users further comprises selecting the one or more other users based on parameters associated with the one or more other users.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising selecting a competing group of users for competing against the first user and the one or more other users.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving and monitoring completion of tasks associated with the selected workout program based on input received from sensors associated with networked devices.